New Zealand Spectacular Golf Tour

DAY 1: Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand. City Orientation Tour
DAY 2: Golf at Formosa Country Club
DAY 3: Golf at Gulf Harbour. Private Cruise to Waiheke Island
DAY 4: Fly to Queenstown. Wine Tasting in Blenheim
DAY 5: Milford Sound Helicopter Flight. Hiking and Lunch at a Sheep Station
DAY 6: Golf at Millbrook Resort
DAY 7: At Leisure in Queenstown
DAY 8: Fly to Wellington. Arts, Culture and History Tour
DAY 9: James Bond Day
DAY 10: Fly to Napier. City Tour and Wine Tasting. Golf at Cape Kidnappers Golf Club
DAY 11: Coach to Taupo. Golf at Wairakei International Golf Course
DAY 12: Golf at Taupo Centennial. Cruise on Lake Taupo
DAY 13: Fly to Bay of Islands. Golf at Kauri Cliffs
DAY 14: Cruise on Bay of Islands
DAY 15: Fly to USA

You will arrive in Auckland early this morning and clear customs. After you have completed the New Zealand Immigration formalities your private specialist guide, who will accompany you during the entire tour, will meet and accompany you as you transfer to your hotel in downtown Auckland. While traveling to your hotel your guide will answer any questions you might have relating to the adventure awaiting you.

After you have taken time to relax and freshen up you will board your luxury tour bus to join your tour guide on a discovery tour of Auckland.

Your evening is at leisure to discover Auckland, a city that boasts some of the finest cuisine & wine in the world. Dining in the city or at the seaside suburb of Devonport can often mean a splendid view of the harbor combined with an array of seafood delicacies. If you wish to try your luck at the casino don’t miss Harrah’s Sky City complex that offers a 24 hour casino with full gaming facilities, restaurants, bars and a 1,000 foot sky tower. Your tour guide will be happy to make suggestions and reservations for a light dinner at a number of local restaurants.

During your 3 nights stay in Auckland you will be accommodated at a luxury hotel. Located on the end of Prince’s wharf it offers guests beautiful views across Auckland’s inner harbor and is just a short stroll to any of the fantastic waterfront restaurants, cafes and nightclubs. It is close to the highlights of Auckland’s inner city life and the America’s Cup Village.

Your hotel room will be pre-booked to ensure immediate access on your early morning arrival.

DAY 2: Golf at Formosa Country Club. B D
You’ll play a round of golf at Formosa Country Club designed by Bob Charles and listed in The Finest Golf Clubs of the World.

Designed by internationally renowned golfing professional, Bob Charles, the course features 18 holes of sensational golf. Demanding enough for the skilled golfer it is also suitable for a relaxed, friendly, or corporate challenge, and may be played year round. The course is one of the longest courses in New Zealand at over 6600 meters (7200) yards from the professional tees and set against the stunning backdrop of Hauraki Gulf, the course features the first couch grass fairways in New Zealand, providing a durable and attractive all year playing surface. Of particular note are the 15th, 16th & 17th holes that “flirt with the ocean and rock cliffs, requiring nerve and skill”!!!!!

This evening you will celebrate the commencement of your Kiwi golfing adventure over a 3-course dinner to be served in your hotel overlooking the Viaduct.

Note: Beverages will be at your own expense.

DAY 3: Golf at Gulf Harbour. Private Cruise to Waiheke Island. B D
Following breakfast at your hotel you will board your chartered motor launch to transfer to Gulf Harbour Country Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., site of 1998 World Cup of Golf and home of the 2005 US Open winner Michael Campbell. Beaches are available if the spirit so moves and the body reject golf or take the boat to enjoy a leisurely morning on the water. After your golf you will board your chartered motor launch and sail to beautiful Waiheke Island, considered by many to be Auckland’s most beautiful spot. You’ll tour Waiheke aboard a luxury coach to discover the beaches, native forests, vineyards and art studios. You’ll enjoy dinner on Waiheke Island at Cuisine Magazine’s* NZ Restaurant of the Year 2008 Finalist – Cable Bay Restaurant. You’ll return to your Auckland hotel via your launch.

DAY 4: Fly to Queenstown. Wine tasting at Blenheim. B L
Following breakfast at your hotel you’ll be transferred to Auckland Aviation Terminal in time to board your private 19 seater Jetstream J32 jet to fly to Queenstown via Blenheim. Your jet will land at Blenheim Airport where you’ll be transferred to a local winery for a private wine-tasting and lunch. Blenheim is located in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds wine-growing region that is renowned for producing luscious sauvignon blanc wines that display a distinctive tropical fruit nose. In Blenheim the vineyards stretch for miles and the wine is plentiful.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu at the foot of The Remarkables range, Queenstown is a year-round alpine resort where you can be wildly active or simply relax and unwind. The town is compact enough to explore on foot. With more than 100 restaurants, plenty of entertainment, and some of the finest New Zealand shopping, Queenstown is a world-class holiday destination.

During your 4 nights stay in Queenstown you will be accommodated in luxury villas at a year round recreational paradise nestled in the alpine amphitheatre of snow-capped mountains with a spectacular vista.

Dinner will be served at Millbrook Resort restaurant. (Dinner will be at additional expense).

DAY 5: Milford Sound Helicopter Flight. Hiking and Lunch at Sheep Station. B L
After breakfast at your hotel a magical day of thrills awaits you. You will board your helicopter in the grounds of your resort for a flight that will take you gliding past mountains as the helicopter winds its way through the Southern Alps on an unforgettable flight to Milford Sound. Enjoy a coffee cruise on Milford Sound. Grand, brooding, serene and wild, Milford Sound draws visitors from all over the globe to cruise its length. Luxuriant rain forest clings to sheer rock walls washed with waterfalls. In the foreground stands Mitre Peak, a majestic presence dominating the skyline. With luck you will catch sight of dolphins, seals and rare penguins. Your breathtaking journey continues when you board your helicopter to fly to a sheep farm nestled deep in the mountain range. On landing you’ll meet the farmer and have the opportunity to watch the Border collie sheep dogs heard a flock of sheep. You’ll hike through the dramatic countryside with your local guide, Steve before returning to Queenstown via luxury coach.

Dinner will be served at Millbrook Resort restaurant. (Dinner will be at additional expense.)

After breakfast you’ll play a round of golf at Millbrook’s spectacular par 72-championship course.

You have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore Queenstown to enjoy the facilities at Millbrook Resort where the finest in wellness and spa therapy is available. The superbly appointed fitness center offers excellent equipment and highly trained staff.

During your leisure time you could:

This evening you will enjoy dinner at a local waterfront restaurant situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

DAY 7: At Leisure in Queenstown. B D
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning. You have the day at leisure to include in the beauty of your resort.

You might wish to book an optional tour at additional expense:

This evening you’ll be transferred to the charming township of Arrowtown for dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 8: Fly to Wellington. B L
You will enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before you are transferred to Queenstown Airport to board your private jet to fly to Wellington. When you arrive in Wellington you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Perched on the edge of a spectacular harbour and surrounded by imposing hills, Wellington is a stunning and vibrant city. Home to national museum Te Papa and New Zealand’s Parliament, Wellington offers heritage and cultural attractions with events and festivals all year round. The compact layout of the city means you can enjoy quality shopping, sample wine and food at a vast array of cafés and restaurants and still have the energy to experience the city’s nightlife.

Your specialist guide will join you to experience the art and cultural customs of Maori people that form part of a rich heritage that makes Aotearoa (New Zealand) unique in the world. You’ll discover a treasured Maori art tradition that spans three centuries. This unique tour will include demonstrations of Maori art and craft with opportunities to view work from leading Maori artists. You’ll walk along Wellington’s beautiful waterfront and hear legends of sea monsters, Maori warriors and fearsome storms. Take an extraordinary insight into New Zealand at Te Papa, which highlights our rich arts, culture, and natural history. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with Maori artists, and an opportunity to discover treasured traditional and contemporary Maori art. Myths and legends of Whanganui-a-tara (Wellington Harbour) will be told throughout the tour.

During your 2 nights stay in Wellington you will be accommodated at a suite hotel. Located at the junction of Wellington’s central business district and political heart and named after one of the historical “first ships” that brought European settlers to Wellington your hotel offers stylish and elegant apartment accommodation in a friendly, professional setting. Your guide will make suggestions and reservations for dinner at local restaurants this evening. (Dinner will be at additional expense)

DAY 9: James Bond Day B L D
Following breakfast at your hotel this morning you’ll transfer to Boomrock Station (ranch) where you’ll have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the latest model C Class Mercedes-Benz, take it through the slick slalom course on a purpose built Car Testing Circuit familiarizing yourself with cornering and the ABS braking system. You’ll swap seats with the professional driver to push the limits of the intuitive ESP traction control system with exhilarating fast laps on the wet/dry surface. Strap in for an unforgettable Mercedes-Benz 4WD off-road experience, improve your swing with tuition from a Golf Pro on extreme greens and check your aim with clay bird shooting. Join the competition to score a hole in one where the purser can be as high as NZ$10,000.00

Truly discover the delights of the stunning location by concluding with a sumptuous lunch at the cliff top lodge overlooking the Tasman Sea. A James Bond day to be remembered.

Dinner this evening will be served at the award winning cosmopolitan Logan Brown restaurant in the heart of Wellington.

DAY 10: Fly to Napier. City tour and wine tasting. Golf at Cape Kidnappers Golf Club. B L D
Following breakfast at your hotel you will be transferred to Wellington Airport to board your private jet to fly to the art deco city of Napier. When you arrive in Napier you will transfer to a luxury vehicle for a city tour of the Art Deco city that was razed by an earthquake in 1931 and is now known as the Art Deco capital of the world. Lunch will be included at a local Hawkes Bay winery. Your tour will conclude at Cape Kidnappers Golf Course for an 18 hole round of golf.

Built on a 5000 acre sheep farm just outside of Napier on the eastern coast of the North Island Cape Kidnappers is not true links terrain, with the wrinkles of sand dunes; instead the land tilts toward the sea as a series of ridges jutting out toward the edge of the cliffs. Yet, the play is seaside golf at its finest. The surface is firm and fast, the conditions can be windy, and the player who can control his trajectory will be master of the course. You’ll hit shots over the tops of the tea trees, and play along the edges of deep ravines. If you stray on your approaches, you’ll actually hope to get caught up in bunkers hanging off the green’s edge, some of them deeper than you’ve ever seen before. Three times, you’ll have to make the perilous leap from the end of one ridge to the end of the next. And at the sixth and fifteenth holes it’s possible to pull your approach off the very end of the earth, though it will take nearly ten seconds of hang time for your ball to reach the ocean below.

During your overnight stay in Hawkes Bay you will be accommodated at a luxurious farm-style lodge that blends naturally into unspoiled nature, bathed in sea spray and light. Your cottage suite offers 180 degree panoramic views of the farm, golf course and Pacific Ocean from its private balcony.

DAY 11: Coach to Taupo. Golf at Wairakei International Golf Course. B D
Following breakfast at your hotel you will board your luxury coach to transfer to Taupo and Wairakei International Golf Club for 18 holes of golf at the course designed by Cdr. John Harris in the ‘60’s. Listed in Golf Digest among the top 20 international courses it is easily New Zealand’s best inland course and one people never tire of playing.

You have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the beauty of Huka Lodge that offers the opportunity to experience some of the best trout fishing in the world. Fishing guides are available for half or full day tours. You may enjoy strolling through the immaculate gardens, playing tennis or a game of pentanque or soak in the hot pools.

For those who’d rather not play golf today we’ll make the transfer vehicle available for touring while your fellow adventures enjoy the course.

During your 2 nights stay in Taupo you will be accommodated at a luxurious lodge, distinguished as a “Leading Small Hotel of the World”. Situated in ten acres of park-like grounds on the banks of the Waikato River the lodge has only 20 guest suites. Nestled amongst native trees along the river’s edge each secluded suite comprises a spacious king-size bedroom, dressing room and ensuite bathroom. A hearty country breakfast and five-course table d’hôte dinner are included in the tariff.

Dinner this evening will be served in the lodge wine cellar.

DAY 12: Golf at Taupo Centennial. Cruise on Lake Taupo. B L D
After breakfast at the lodge you will transfer to Taupo Centennial, a course many locals rate higher than Wairakei for a round of golf where you’ll play 18 holes this afternoon.

Following your game of golf you’ll board your luxury charter launch to cruise on beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, formed by a volcanic eruption almost 2,000 years ago. It’s a place of magnificent beauty with crystal clear waters fed by mountain streams and home to some of the most sought-after rainbow trout in the world.

This evening’s dinner will be served in the gardens of the lodge.

DAY 13: Fly to Bay of Islands. Golf at Kauri Cliffs. B L D
After breakfast at your hotel you will board your private jet to fly north to glorious Bay Of Islands. When you arrive in Bay of Islands you will be transferred to your luxury accommodation.

This afternoon you’ll play 18 holes of golf at famous Kauri Cliffs golf course. Following your game of golf you will join your captain and his crew to enjoy a private yacht charter. You will sail around the many beautiful islands in Bay of Islands. A picnic lunch will be included during your cruise. There will be the chance to anchor for a swim or take a walk on one of the islands to wander along the beach.

During your 2 nights stay in Bay of Islands you will be accommodated in a guest cottage nestled on the edge of a native forest overlooking the ocean and golf course. You might enjoy meeting fellow guests on the veranda of the main lodge during Cocktail Hour. Breakfast, dinner and pre-dinner cocktails are included.

DAY 14: Cruise on Bay of Islands. B L D
You will join a chartered launch on a luxury cruise where you will discover the jewel of the magnificent Bay of Islands, blessed with shimmering safe waters and superb beaches. You will view wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Your skipper will find a calm island cove to enjoy a wide range of activities such as walking, beach games, beach combing and relaxation. As you circumnavigate the Bay of Islands you will experience spectacular scenery and a multitude of sea life.

There will be time for an additional round of golf this afternoon. (Golf will be at additional expense)

This evening you’ll join your fellow golfers for a farewell dinner at Kauri Cliffs to celebrate 15 glorious days of golf and adventure in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

DAY 15: Fly to USA. B
This is this your last day in the Land of the Long White Cloud. You have the morning at leisure, perhaps to play one last round of golf at Kauri Cliffs or to take a spa treatment in preparation for your return flight to USA. (Activities today will be at additional expense) A late checkout had not been included in your cost. You will have use of your room until it is needed by housekeeping. You will have use of the club facilities including showers until your departure.

You will be transferred to Bay Of Islands Airport in time to board your private jet to fly to Auckland. When you arrive in Auckland Airport you board your onward flight to Los Angeles or San Francisco. During your flight over the Pacific you will cross the International Dateline and arrive in USA on the same day as your departure. After you have cleared customs in you will board your onward flight to your home city.

You will return to your home in the USA having experienced the kind hospitality of the Kiwis, stayed in an eclectic mix of our lodges and hotels, visited our cultural, historic and natural icons, explored the usual and the unusual from extreme perspectives, seen the sights, found time to share a yarn with the locals andd perhaps somewhere along the way, having made a new mate. That’s Kiwi for friend.

Our New Zealand Golf Spectacular Tour may be perfect for some, but please keep in mind that our specialty lies in Designing Custom Itineraries to suit your personal interests, desires, budget and schedule.